Costa Cruises said recently it’ll be bringing back a taste of Italy to the tropics this winter when Costa Mediterranea repositions to the Caribbean beginning Nov. 20.

The ship, which is replacing Costa Atlantica, is set to sail 10-day cruises from PortMiami. Costa Atlantica will be repositioned to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Costa Cruises said.

Costa Atlantica, Port Miami, Staff photographer Mike Stocker

Costa said from November to February 2013, the 2,144-passenger Mediterranea will sail two 10-day round-trip Caribbean itineraries from Miami with calls at Nassau, Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico, and a call at either Belize City, Belize, or Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos.

“Costa Mediterranea’s itineraries are unique because of their extended length and span of both the eastern and western Caribbean,” said Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America. “The 10-day cruises enable guests to explore more of the Caribbean’s diverse destinations in one itinerary and provide an opportunity to take part in the more than 80 shore excursions offered throughout the voyage.”

Cruise fares for the 10-day trips start at $699 per person, double occupancy and a special New Year’s Eve holiday voyage that departs Dec. 30, starts at $1,099 p.p. double occupancy.

Hurricane Sandy continues to impact flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Friday. As of 3 p.m., there were 21 arrivals and 18 departures cancelled for a total of 39, airport spokesman Greg Meyer said.

EARLIER POST BELOW

Some South Florida airports continue to see flight cancellations Friday due to Hurricane Sandy.

Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line announced Wednesday it has reached an agreement with Meyer Werft of Germany to build a new cruise ship for delivery in October 2015.

The deal has an option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017.

Norwegian "Breakaway Plus", Norwegian Cruise Line/COURTESY

The new ship will have about 4,200 passenger berths and at 163,000 gross tons will be larger than Norwegian’s Breakaway class ships currently under construction at the German shipyard.

Dubbed “Breakaway Plus,” the new cruise ship, which will be the largest in Norwegian’s fleet, will have many of the unique design elements and innovations of the Breakaway class vessels.

The ship’s contract price is approximately euro 700 million, which is about $916.5 million at today’s rate of exchange.

“Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have garnered significant attention in the marketplace with their innovative design, rich stateroom mix and world-class amenities,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “This new order further solidifies our commitment to continued innovation in terms of the guest experience and will incorporate technical and environmental advances as well.”

In celebration of National Cruise Vacation Month, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering guests up to $250 in onboard credit, reduced deposits and an e-booklet worth more than $300 on summer 2013 cruises booked before 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 21.

The offer is applicable on a variety of summer itineraries including to Alaska, Bermuda, Europe and Hawaii, the Miami-based cruise line said in a release.

Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line/COURTESY

The promotion includes its Norwegian Epic ship, which will sails on seven-day Western Mediterranean voyages from May 5-Oct. 13, with prices starting from $749 per person double occupancy.

The discount offer is valid on fares for travel Nov. 28- Dec. 12 and Jan. 7 to Feb. 14, 2013. Some blackout dates may apply for select markets.

When booking use discount code BigDeal40 to take advantage of the offer.

“Southwest Airlines is thrilled to offer this outstanding discount on our lowest fares for the winter travel season,” said Kevin Krone, Southwest’s vice president of marketing, sales, and distribution. “We are proud that Southwest remains committed to providing low fares to customers across the nation.”

Boston-based Luggage Forward has partnered with DHL Express has partnered with to provide door-to-door luggage shipping and delivery service for international travelers.

In a release Wednesday, the companies said the move will help eliminate the burden of lugging bags for global leisure travelers.

Luggage Forward can send luggage directly to a customer’s hotel, golf course, vacation home or even a cruise ship in any of the 220 countries and territories that DHL Express serves.

Luggage Forward/COURTESY

“Our international clients travel with the peace of mind knowing that their luggage is handled by an international specialist like DHL Express that has more experience than any other carrier in moving shipments across borders,” Luggage Forward Co-Founder Zeke Adkins said.

On average, DHL Express handles the transportation for more than 90 percent of the inbound U.S. luggage shipments booked by Luggage Forward customers as well as majority of shipments to and between international points, the international express services provider said.

“Our global logistics expertise combined with Luggage Forward’s innovative business model affords international travelers the opportunity to enjoy their trip from the minute the plane touches down at their destination.” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S.”

Travelers can book the Luggage Forward bag shipping service at luggageforward.com or by calling 1-866-416-7447.